Cylinder Apparatus Detection Valve Configuration
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional cylinder devices with force multipliers require large detection rods to detect intermediate positions of the second piston, leading to increased overall dimensions due to the need for long detection rod protrusion, making the device less compact.
Innovation Solution
The cylinder device incorporates a detection valve configuration where engaging balls move a detection rod in a direction intersecting with the radial direction, allowing for a shorter detection rod movement distance and reducing the overall dimension of the detection valve.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Difficulty of detecting and measuring
If the detection rod is arranged to largely protrude downward to detect intermediate positions, then the detection function is improved, but the overall dimension of the cylinder device becomes large
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the movement direction of the detection rod from vertical (parallel to piston movement) to horizontal (intersecting with radial direction). This dimensional change allows the detection rod to be moved by engaging balls without requiring long vertical protrusion, thus reducing the overall device dimension while maintaining detection capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces engaging balls as an intermediary mechanism between the piston and detection rod. The engaging balls transfer the piston's movement to the detection rod through radial engagement, enabling intermediate position detection without requiring the detection rod to protrude far downward.
2Measurement precision
If the detection rod protrudes far to detect locking area position, then measurement precision is improved, but the detection valve size increases
Solution Approach 1:
The detection rod moves horizontally instead of vertically, changing the detection dimension. This allows precise detection of piston position at the locking area without requiring the detection valve to have large vertical space, thus reducing overall valve size while maintaining measurement precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the direct mechanical push mechanism with a ball-engagement mechanism. The engaging balls provide mechanical advantage and motion transformation, allowing precise position detection with a more compact detection valve structure.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This configuration enables the production of a compact cylinder device with a reduced detection valve size, maintaining reliable detection functionality while minimizing the device's overall dimensions.
Implementation Method 1
A force multiplier (30) multiplies and converts force acting on the second piston (15) due to locking pressurized fluid, and transmits multiplied and converted force to the output rod (12)
Implementation Method 2
The engaging balls (32) move a detection rod (50) of the detection valve (40) in a direction that intersects with the radial direction
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3A~3B
AI summary
A piston body (11) of an advancing-retracting first piston (10) and a force-multiplying second piston (15) are arranged in series in a vertical direction in a housing (1). Force acting on the second piston (15) due to pressurized oil in a lock chamber (16) is multiplied and converted into multiplied upward force via engaging balls (32) of a force multiplier (30). Then, the multiplied upward force is transmitted to an output rod (12) of the first piston (10). At an intermediate part of a first air detection passage (38) for use in detection formed in the housing (1), a first detection valve (40) is provided. When the engaging balls (32) move inward in a radial direction, the first detection valve (40) is closed.